Switching to Linux: Cheap PCs and Ubuntu Provide a Privacy-Oriented Alternative to Windows and Mac.
Ubuntu provides a free option to re-purpose computers that can't upgrade to Windows.
I am hardly a tech expert. Over the years, I have used PCs, Macs, and Linux. My need for Windows became obsolete the last few years but I still have several PCs. I wanted to switch to a Linux OS and upgrade from a 8+ year old PCs and decrease my dependence on cold and cloud storage. I had a gut feeling an Ubuntu OS would maximize the performance of older desktops with large hard drives and more than 8 GB of RAM. I don’t engage in gaming or mining, so I do not need high-end graphics cards. I don’t support Windows but when I purchased my PCs, they came with Office and other software that I needed at the time. Over the years, I have increasingly viewed Windows as malware. I learned more about PCs than I cared to because of Windows related issues, from bad updates to poor privacy.
Ubuntu is a free Linux-based operating system. I view it as a mix between Mac and Windows in terms of the look and feel of the OS. Ubuntu has a limited “app” store, but there is an adequate selection of apps, including secure messaging and file sharing apps and social media platforms that are not astro-turfed. I am not an expert with computers or software and relied on the installation structures from Ubuntu and occasionally searching Google for answers.
Ubuntu is user-friendly and has compatibility with software necessary for remote work. For example, Ubuntu’s software store has Office apps like Teams and common remote work apps like Slack. There are also several free word processing apps that are essentially generic versions of Office (like Libre Office). Transitioning to Linux doesn’t require abandoning Microsoft software or mainstream apps like Gmail or Chrome. Ubuntu’s minimum requirements encompass older computers and laptops. Devices that can’t run Windows can run Ubuntu OS.
Hardware
I checked eBay for prices of desktop towers without operating systems and with large hard drives. If you haven’t bought used electronics on eBay before, I’d suggest buying from a vendor that has been selling for a few years, provides a warranty, and has good reviews.
I did a basic search on eBay for “x TB desktop no OS.” I was able to find a slew of options for under $100.:
I will not buy Dell products due to poor past experiences. The specs I settled on included 4TB of hard drive space and over 10 GB of RAM for under $70. (including shipping, tax, and a power cord). It came with a power cord but did not have Bluetooth or WiFi. I acquired a Bluetooth adapter and WiFi adapter for under $20 each and had to do the Ubuntu installation while plugged in to Ethernet and a wired mouse and keyboard. If you do not have access to Ethernet, it would probably be better to ensure the desktop or laptop you use has Bluetooth and Wifi capabilities.
Ubuntu Installation
Ubuntu offers several different Operating Systems. The Long Term Support Ubuntu OS for Desktop is free to download. After downloading, you will need to use an application to format the file (like Etcher). When the formatting is complete, put the file on a USB flash drive (ideally at least 8-16 GB). That process can take up to an hour. It took less than 30 minutes for the Ubuntu installation on the eBay tower.
Ubuntu provides directions for installation on their website:
Ubuntu provides guides and resources:
Apps and Features
Ubuntu has an app store called “Ubuntu Software.” The selection is limited, but a few noteworthy apps include:
Brave
Gmail
Signal
Telegram
Spotify
Kodi (free streaming)
Alternative Email Apps
File Sharing
RSS News Streams
Social Media
Video and Photo Editing
Ferdium is a free Linux app that allows you to add and manage accounts from multiple social media platforms. You can connect Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, and Telegram accounts along with Android SMS messages and iCloud:
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of other apps available in the Ubuntu Software store. While Ubuntu may seem like it requires a higher level of tech knowledge, there are active support communities and instructional videos and documents that cover most issues. I was able to trouble shoot issues easily. I felt that, despite having limited experience with Linux, Ubuntu was far easier to set-up, use, and maintain than Windows. I have lost PCs from bad Windows updates. While I like aspects of Mac, I am simply not an Apple person. I bought a cheap iMac for under $100 a while ago solely for access to certain software (like iMovie) and having some Apple products. I like eBay because vendors offer short-term warranties and there are more assurances that the items aren’t stolen compared to purchasing items from OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, or Pawn Shops.
The desktop with the Ubuntu installation runs faster than any machine I have used or owned. I am easily able to have multiple windows on multiple browsers open while streaming Kodi and downloading videos from apps. The extra storage decreases the need to rely on external hard drives or cloud storage. The price per terabyte of the refurbished eBay tower was less than the cost per terabyte of an external hard drive. The extra storage is of use if, down the line, you plan to create your own server or internal network.
super info, prof P, taa so much. There are those who say that ubuntu has become bloated&slow, & that Mint is closest to the frill-free distro that ubuntu once was in days of yore. cheers